Michael Shayne: Private Detective

Michael Shayne: Private Detective

1940 · 77 min · ★ 6.6 · Comedy, Mystery

Millionaire sportsman Hiram Brighton hires gumshoe Michael Shayne to keep his spoiled daughter Phyllis away from racetrack betting windows and roulette wheels. After Phyllis slips away and continues her compulsive gambling, Shayne fakes the murder of her gambler boyfriend, who is also romancing the daughter of casino owner Benny Gordon, in order to frighten her. When the tout really ends up murdered, Shayne and Phyllis' Aunt Olivia, an avid reader of murder mysteries, both try to find the identity of the killer.

Directed by Eugene Forde · Written by Stanley Rauh

Your Rating

Where to Watch

Rent or Buy

Amazon Video

Cast

Make it a double feature

2h 27m together

Michael Shayne: Private Detective

Charter Pilot

Both from Eugene Forde.

Michael Shayne CollectionSee all →

Sleepers WestSleepers West · 1941
Sleepers West
6.41941
MovieCrimeMystery
Private eye Mike Shayne encounters a large amount of trouble while attempting to guard a murder witness.
Dressed to KillDressed to Kill · 1941
Dressed to Kill
6.31941
MovieMysteryThriller
A detective's wedding is postponed when gunshots are heard nearby.
Blue, White and PerfectBlue, White and Perfect · 1942
Blue, White and Perfect
6.51942
MovieCrimeMystery
In order to win back his girlfriend, Mike Shayne promises to give up his detective practice and get a job as riveter in an aircraft plant. He quickly finds himself investigating the theft of industrial diamonds from the plant's safe and, utilizing a variety of false identities, traces them first to a dress factory and later to a Hawaii-bound ocean liner. Escaping several attempts on his life, he is able to uncover a Nazi smuggling ring, but the location of the missing diamonds continues to elude him.
The Man Who Wouldn't DieThe Man Who Wouldn't Die · 1942
The Man Who Wouldn't Die
6.51942
MovieCrimeMystery
A man believed to be dead and buried escapes from his grave and returns to the scene of the crime seeking revenge.
Just Off BroadwayJust Off Broadway · 1942
Just Off Broadway
5.81942
MovieCrimeMystery
Private detective Michael Shayne is on the case again, but this time he's stuck on a jury for a murder trial. So, what does he do? Why, he skips out on sequestration in order to solve the case himself!
Time to KillTime to Kill · 1942
Time to Kill
6.11942
MovieMystery
Lloyd Nolan is back as detective Michael Shayne who's in search of a stolen coin.
Murder Is My BusinessMurder Is My Business · 1946
Murder Is My Business
8.01946
MovieCrimeMystery
Michael Shayne is a private detective who is disliked greatly by Pete Rafferty, local chief of police detectives. Rafferty notifies the newspaper press that he is going to close Shayne's agency, just as Michael is about to be hired by the wealthy Eleanor Ramsey, who is being blackmailed. She is the stepmother of what she considers to be two grown-up brats, Dorothy and Ernest, and she considers their father to be of little value to the world himself. They all conspire to get their hands on her money, even to the extent of attempting to hire Shayne to frame an insurance robbery. Mrs. Ramsey is murdered, and Rafferty is trying to pin the killing on Shayne, despite the fact that suspicion points to Buell Renslow, brother of the slain woman. Shayne's secretary, the fetching Phyllis Hamilton, decides to do a little detective work to help her boss.
Larceny in Her HeartLarceny in Her Heart · 1946
Larceny in Her Heart
6.01946
MovieMysteryCrime
In the second of the PRC "Michael Shayne" series,civic crusader Burton Stallings hires private detective Michael Shayne to locate the former's missing step-daughter Helen. Shayne discovers that Stallings himself has had Helen confined in an asylum in order to obtain her money.
Blonde for a DayBlonde for a Day · 1946
Blonde for a Day
5.81946
MovieMysteryCrime
Newspaper reporter Tim Rourke keeps writing articles that attack the police department for its failure to solve a chain of murders, which nearly leads to the reporter's death. He calls in private detective Michael Shayne, who turns up a blonde and a blackmailer.
Three on a TicketThree on a Ticket · 1947
Three on a Ticket
6.01947
MovieComedyCrime
A private detective, who has been shot, stumbles into the office of Michael Shayne (Hugh Beaumont), and dies before Shayne can question him. Shayne finds a baggage ticket in his hand. He claims it and finds the checked-bag contains the loot from a robbery. Now, he has about fifty minutes left of the running time to find the crooks, bring them to justice and return the money to the rightful owners. And needs all of it.
Too Many WinnersToo Many Winners · 1947
Too Many Winners
6.01947
MovieMystery
Michael Shayne mystery involving counterfeit tickets at a race track.

More from Eugene FordeSee all →

Hello Cheyenne!Hello Cheyenne! · 1928
Hello Cheyenne!
9.01928
MovieWestern
Rival telephone crews are in a race to be the first to connect telephone service between Rawlings and Cheynne, Wyoming. Lineman Tom Remington's girlfriend is the daughter of one crew foreman, who wants to win the race in order to re-establish himself in the business. However, the foreman of the other crew has his own scheme to win the race, and will stop at nothing--including kidnapping--to accomplish it.
Charter PilotCharter Pilot · 1940
Charter Pilot
7.71940
MovieAdventure
US-to-Central-America freight service pilot gets engaged to radio broadcaster and promises to take a desk job but the urge for adventure is too strong.
Charlie Chan on BroadwayCharlie Chan on Broadway · 1937
Charlie Chan on Broadway
7.11937
MovieCrimeMystery
Returning from European exile where she avoided testifying against her criminal associates, a former singer with a tell-all diary is murdered to insure her silence.
OutlawedOutlawed · 1929
Outlawed
7.01929
MovieWestern
In this his third film for FBO (Film Booking Office), Mix plays Tom Manning, a cowboy framed for murder and bank robbery by bandit leader Ethan Laidlaw. As always, justice prevails, but Mix has to make a daring escape from jail to right the wrongs done to him.
Right to the HeartRight to the Heart · 1942
Right to the Heart
7.01942
MovieComedyRomance
John T. Bromley III is a young man from high society who is physically humiliated by a prizefighter before his socialite sweetheart, Jenny Killian. He goes to a training camp to redeem his self-respect and ensure his success in a return engagement with the fighter.
The Lady EscapesThe Lady Escapes · 1937
The Lady Escapes
7.01937
MovieComedy
A young husband schemes to regain his wife, who earlier had left him and now is involved with a European playboy.
Charlie Chan in LondonCharlie Chan in London · 1934
Charlie Chan in London
6.91934
MovieCrimeMystery
Charlie Chan is sought out by Pamela Gray, a desperate young socialite whose brother Paul awaits execution for the murder of a weapons inventor. Pamela is convinced of his innocence.
Charlie Chan's Murder CruiseCharlie Chan's Murder Cruise · 1940
Charlie Chan's Murder Cruise
6.81940
MovieComedyCrime
On a cruise ship from Honolulu to San Francisco, the famous Chinese detective encounters four more murders while trying to figure out the murder of a Scotland Yard friend.
Mystery WomanMystery Woman · 1935
Mystery Woman
6.51935
MovieThrillerMystery
A French military officer is convicted of treason and sent to Devil's Island. His wife takes it upon herself to obtain the stolen document and prove his innocence.
Sleepers WestSleepers West · 1941
Sleepers West
6.41941
MovieCrimeMystery
Private eye Mike Shayne encounters a large amount of trouble while attempting to guard a murder witness.
Buy Me That TownBuy Me That Town · 1941
Buy Me That Town
6.31941
MovieDramaComedy
A gangster and his mob buy a small-town in this warm comedy. They, tired of trying to make it as big city hoods, buy the town to use as a hideout. The leader of the gang begins to have a change of heart after he begins falling for a local girl.
Dressed to KillDressed to Kill · 1941
Dressed to Kill
6.31941
MovieMysteryThriller
A detective's wedding is postponed when gunshots are heard nearby.
Charlie Chan at Monte CarloCharlie Chan at Monte Carlo · 1937
Charlie Chan at Monte Carlo
6.31937
MovieMysteryComedy
Although Charlie and Lee are in Monaco for an art exhibit, they become caught up in a feud between rival financiers which involves the Chan's in a web of blackmail and murder.
Midnight TaxiMidnight Taxi · 1937
Midnight Taxi
6.21937
MovieDramaCrime
A federal agent goes to work for a taxi company believing it to be a front for a gang of counterfeiters.
36 Hours to Kill36 Hours to Kill · 1936
36 Hours to Kill
6.11936
MovieDramaRomance
Duke and Jeanie Benson, an outlaw couple hiding out under assumed names. Duke realizes that he has a winning sweepstake ticket and will win $150,000 if he can cash it in without getting apprehended.
Berlin CorrespondentBerlin Correspondent · 1942
Berlin Correspondent
6.01942
MovieThrillerDrama
Bill Roberts is an American radio commentator station in Berlin in the months before Pearl Harbor. Having witnessed Nazi brutalities first hand, Roberts hopes to alert his listeners of impending dangers, and does so by sending out coded messages during his broadcasts. The Gestapo begins to suspect something and assigns glamorous secret agent Karen Hauen to spy on Roberts. When she discovers that her own father is supplying Roberts with vital secrets, she turns her back on the Nazis and joins our hero in his efforts.

More Like This

Domestic DisturbanceDomestic Disturbance · 2001
Domestic Disturbance
5.82001
MovieThrillerCrime
Frank Morrison is a divorced father with a 12-year-old son, Danny. His ex-wife Susan and son Danny now live with Rick Barnes, Susan's new husband. Danny, who has a reputation for telling lies, accuses his stepfather of committing a murder. Initially, no one believes his accusations, but then Frank becomes convinced and is the only one who believes him. Now, the father Danny trusts must protect him from the stepfather he fears.
The Salton SeaThe Salton Sea · 2002
The Salton Sea
6.62002
MovieCrimeDrama
After the murder of his beloved wife, a man in search of redemption is set adrift in a world where nothing is as it seems. On his journey, he befriends slacker Jimmy "The Finn", becomes involved in rescuing his neighbor Colette from her own demons, and gets entangled in a web of deceit full of unexpected twists and turns.
See No Evil, Hear No EvilSee No Evil, Hear No Evil · 1989
See No Evil, Hear No Evil
6.81989
MovieComedyCrime
A murder takes place in the shop of David Lyons, a deaf man who fails to hear the gunshot being fired. Outside, blind man Wally Karue hears the shot, but cannot see the perpetrator. Both are arrested, but escape to form an unlikely partnership. Being chased by both the law AND the original killers, can the pair work together to outwit them all?
Crimes and MisdemeanorsCrimes and Misdemeanors · 1989
Crimes and Misdemeanors
7.41989
MovieComedyDrama
A renowned ophthalmologist is desperate to cut off an adulterous relationship…which ends up in murder; and a frustrated documentary filmmaker woos an attractive television producer while making a film about her insufferably self-centered boss.
Serial MomSerial Mom · 1994
Serial Mom
6.71994
MovieComedyCrime
Beverly is the perfect happy homemaker, along with her doting husband and two children, but this nuclear family just might explode when her fascination with serial killers collides with her ever-so-proper code of ethics.
Wes Craven's New NightmareWes Craven's New Nightmare · 1994
Wes Craven's New Nightmare
6.51994
MovieHorrorMystery
A demonic force has chosen Freddy Krueger as its portal to the real world. Can Heather Langenkamp play the part of Nancy one last time and trap the evil trying to enter our world?
Stir of EchoesStir of Echoes · 1999
Stir of Echoes
6.71999
MovieHorrorMystery
After being hypnotized by his sister-in-law, Tom Witzky begins seeing haunting visions of a girl's ghost and a mystery begins to unfold around her.
Body DoubleBody Double · 1984
Body Double
6.71984
MovieCrimeMystery
After losing an acting role and his girlfriend, Jake Scully finally catches a break: he gets offered a gig house-sitting in the Hollywood Hills. While peering through the beautiful home's telescope one night, he spies a gorgeous woman dancing in her window. But when he witnesses the girl's murder, it leads Scully through the netherworld of the adult entertainment industry on a search for answers—with porn actress Holly Body as his guide.
The I InsideThe I Inside · 2004
The I Inside
5.92004
MovieThrillerMystery
When Simon awakens in the hospital after surviving a near-fatal accident, amnesia has erased the last two years from his memory. He learns that his brother was killed, he has married a woman he doesn't remember and he's haunted by strange visions of the woman he loved.
Who's Harry Crumb?Who's Harry Crumb? · 1989
Who's Harry Crumb?
6.01989
MovieComedyCrime
Harry Crumb is a bumbling and inept private investigator who is hired to solve the kidnapping of a young heiress which he's not expected to solve because his employer is the mastermind behind the kidnapping.
La Cage aux Folles IILa Cage aux Folles II · 1980
La Cage aux Folles II
6.11980
MovieComedy
In a move to make his partner, Renato, jealous, the flamboyant Albin waits in a local cafe - dressed as a woman - hoping to be picked up. But Albin gets more than he bargains for when the fly he catches in his web is actually a spy, who uses him as an unwitting courier of secret microfilm. Now on the run from ruthless agents, Albin and Renato flee to Italy where they attempt to hide out on a farm, with Albin posing as Renato's wife. Can Albin escape the deadly pursuit of these relentless spies or does he have to sustain this charade - as a woman - forever?
Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate EventsLemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events · 2004
Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events
6.82004
MovieAdventureComedy
Three wealthy children's parents are killed in a fire. When they are sent to a distant relative, they find out that he is plotting to kill them and seize their fortune.
Dolores ClaiborneDolores Claiborne · 1995
Dolores Claiborne
7.31995
MovieCrimeDrama
Dolores Claiborne was accused of killing her abusive husband twenty years ago, but the court's findings were inconclusive and she was allowed to walk free. Now she has been accused of killing her employer, Vera Donovan, and this time there is a witness who can place her at the scene of the crime. Things look bad for Dolores when her daughter Selena, a successful Manhattan magazine writer, returns to cover the story.
Herbie Goes BananasHerbie Goes Bananas · 1980
Herbie Goes Bananas
5.41980
MovieFantasyComedy
The adorable little VW helps its owners break up a counterfeiting ring in Mexico.
Edge of DarknessEdge of Darkness · 2010
Edge of Darkness
6.52010
MovieCrimeDrama
As a seasoned homicide detective, Thomas Craven has seen the bleakest side of humanity. But nothing prepares him for the toughest investigation of his life: the search for his only daughter Emma's killer. Now, he is on a personal mission to uncover the disturbing secrets surrounding her murder, including corporate corruption, government collusion and Emma's own mysterious life.
Urban Legends: Final CutUrban Legends: Final Cut · 2000
Urban Legends: Final Cut
4.92000
MovieHorrorMystery
The making of a horror movie takes on a terrifying reality for students at the most prestigious film school in the country. At Alpine University, someone is determined to win the best film award at any cost - even if it means eliminating the competition. No one is safe and everyone is a suspect.
LeprechaunLeprechaun · 1993
Leprechaun
5.61993
MovieHorrorComedy
A demonic leprechaun terrorizes a group of young people whom he believes stole his gold.
CurdledCurdled · 1996
Curdled
5.81996
MovieComedyCrime
A death-obsessed cleaning woman uncovers a clue identifying a Florida bartender for a series of socialite murders.

Rate this film

Your ratings make Midnight smarter